Resume Storage and Retrieval System

ABSTRACT

A method of and apparatus for storage and retrieval of resume images in a manner which preserves the appearance, organization, and information content of the original document. In addition, summaries or “outlines” of resume images, broken down into multiple fields, are stored, and can be searched field by field. A user interface is provided which is based on a familiar paper-based method already in common use, thus reducing the training required to effectively use the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of a provisional application, Ser. No.60/008,700, filed Dec. 15, 1995.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to electronic resume storage and retrieval systemsand methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Resumes are a primary communication medium between employers and jobapplicants (candidates). Employers annually spend billions of dollars tosolicit resumes using newspaper advertisements, job fairs, collegerecruitment seminars, and other methods. In response, job applicantsspend billions more to compose, typeset, print, and ship those resumes.

Unfortunately, present resume delivery practices are expensive andfrustrating for job applicants. Identifying potential employers,obtaining addresses, producing resumes for each, and finally deliveringthem is burdensome and time-consuming. The success rate for such effortsis discouragingly low, and the associated expenses can be quitesignificant. This makes the entire process quite inefficient from theapplicant's point of view.

Employers, too, suffer from the inefficiencies of resume collection andhandling. The solicitation, receipt, storage, management, search, andretrieval of dozens, hundreds, and in some cases thousands of resumescan be a difficult, unwieldy, and expensive burden on the employer.Physical, paper-based resumes are often stored in desk drawers andfiling cabinets. The numerous limitations of present resume practicesinclude consumption of substantial physical space; difficulty insearching through large quantities of paper documents; thenear-impossibility of correlating applicants whose resumes may varywidely in organization, content, and clarity; and the lack of uniformityin the search process from one practitioner to another.

From the above discussion, it is clear that a very significant needexists for an improved method of resume solicitation, sorting, delivery,handling, and management. Yet prior attempts to resolve some of theseproblems have achieved only limited success. Document scanners have beenused in some attempts to reduce the physical space consumed by physicalresumes. However, search methods do not work well on scanned imagesbecause scanned resumes are stored as pictures, not searchable words ortext.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) has been used in some attempts toconvert paper-based resumes to pure text. However, employers aretypically unwilling to forgo the traditional resume because of thewidely held belief that the ability to review the format, style, andpresentation of the resume itself is of value.

Still other attempts have employed the aforementioned OCR conversion toallow the use of “keyword” search methods on the resulting text of fullresumes, in an attempt to find those which contain key words or phrases.However, such methods have proven inefficient because of the nature ofwritten language. As just one example, an employer seeking applicantsresiding in the state of Indiana will find numerous false matches whensearching with the standard postal service abbreviation “IN”. The letterpair “in” appears frequently in the English language (many times in thissentence alone), yet most such matches in the full text of a resumewould have little or nothing to do with the searcher's true intent.

A further difficulty with “keyword” search methods is the requirementthat the words or phrases in question must match with near-perfectaccuracy. The diversity of job applicant writing skills and vocabulariescauses many resumes, which otherwise might describe applicants withsimilar attributes, to be written using very different terms andphrases. Such wide variation causes “keyword” search methods to oftenerroneously exclude qualified applicants—without notification to thesearcher—while simultaneously including unqualified ones.

Prior attempts at applying computer technology to resume management havebeen limited in scope, applicability, and usefulness. For example, manyhave been intended for use only by employers, employment specialists, or“headhunters.” Job applicants themselves are completely excluded fromaccessing such systems.

One prior attempt, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,897 to Clark et al.(incorporated by reference), is illustrative. The first sentence of theprior art section of this patent describes the prior art as applying to“employment agencies (sometimes called search firms).” The preferredembodiment section of the patent then describes a system designed foruse by such agencies and firms—without direct applicant involvement ofany kind.

Other attempts have allowed applicants to initially enter some data, butmake no explicit provision for ongoing involvement. Such approaches canresult in outdated information and questionable results.

Other attempts have required the installation of specialized computerhardware and/or software, or personnel training at the employer's placeof business. The difficulty in learning and using the system ofteneffectively restricts access to just those who have been appropriately“trained.”

Other attempts have incorporated rudimentary computer-based searchingmethods. The most common method involves the aforementioned “keyword”searches on the contents of entire resumes, such as offered by OnlineCareer Center, Indianapolis, IN and TMP Interactive, Framingham, Mass.The inherent limitations of such methods have already been discussed.

Another attempt at incorporating computer-based searching methods isseen in the services available from Intellimatch, San Jose, Calif.,(Internet address: http://www.intellimatch.com). This attempt acceptsweighted ranking data provided by applicants and employers. There areseveral disadvantages of this type of method: First, the user interfacefor interacting with such ranking systems can be complex, non-intuitive,unfamiliar, difficult to learn, and slow to operate. Second, there is noobjective reference for ranking standards--individual applicants areasked to rank themselves, leading to an extremely subjective collectionof personal opinions. Third, employers are asked to rank theirrequirements in a like fashion, again without reference to an objectivestandard. Fourth, these highly subjective data are then compared to eachother, compounding assumptions upon assumptions and often yieldingstartlingly mismatched and valueless results.

Another attempt at providing resume services on the Internet is providedby Beverly Hills Software, 469 South Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills,Calif. 90212, (Internet address: http://www.Bhs.Com). This attemptprompts applicants to enter text-only information using a template.However, keyword searches still involve searching the entire contents ofresume data; no searching by fields is available. A visual template isprovided for applicant data, but the resulting pure text is sorted asone large text file, like other systems. There is also no provision forcharging or collecting fees.

Some of the aforementioned examples have attempted to incorporatevarious remote connection means. Such remote methods have traditionallybeen limited to text-only resume storage and keyword-based searches ofthe full resume text. None have succeeded in addressing all of theproblems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a method of and apparatus for storage andretrieval of resume images in a manner which preserves the appearance,organization, and information content of the original document.

One embodiment of the invention provides a method of and apparatus forstoring formatted summaries or “outlines” of resume images, andefficient searching and subsequent selection of the resume outlines andtheir associated resume images.

One embodiment of the invention provides a user interface for creatingthe aforementioned resume outlines which is based on a familiarpaper-based method already in common use, thus reducing the trainingrequired to effectively use the system.

One embodiment of the invention provides a method of and apparatus forcomputer-assisted searching of the aforementioned stored resume outlinesin a manner which minimizes the need for specialized equipment andtraining. In one embodiment, such searches can be suspended, and resumedat a later time.

One embodiment of the invention provides a method of and apparatus forenabling the automatic and continuous execution of the searches throughresume outlines, thereby determining when a potentially qualifyingapplicant has entered their resume outline and resume image and enablingemployers to be automatically notified thereof.

One embodiment of the invention provides a method of and apparatus forcoordinating the terminology and vocabulary used by applicants andpotential employers in the entry and searching of the aforementionedresume outlines.

One embodiment of the invention provides a method of and apparatus forthe controlled expansion of the terminology and vocabulary used byapplicants and potential employers in the entry of and searching of theaforementioned resume outlines.

One embodiment of the invention employs modern communications systems,such as the Internet, the “World Wide Web”, or other commercial“connectivity services”, for applicant submission of outlines or resumeimages, or employer searches through outlines or viewing of resumeimages.

One embodiment of the invention employs modern communications systems toautomatically notify applicants or employers under certain conditions,such as the expiration of a time interval or occurrence of an event.

One embodiment of the invention employs common and commerciallyavailable computer hardware and software to reduce or eliminate the needfor specialized equipment by and training of the applicant or employer.

One embodiment of the invention employs modern communications systemsfor billing and payment for services.

Other features of the invention will become apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detaileddescription, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server included in the system shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an example of a resume outline form sent from the server ofFIG. 2 to an applicant's client machine included in the system of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is an example of a search request form sent from the server ofFIG. 2 to an employer's client machine included in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an example of a summary of a resume outline sent from theserver of FIG. 2 to an employer's client machine in response to a searchrequest.

FIG. 6 is an example of a vocabulary assistance process in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of a resume image stored by the server of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9-11, 12A, 12B, and 13 define a flowchart of a processperformed by the server of FIG. 2. in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

FIG. 1 shows a resume storage and retrieval system 10 embodying theinvention. The system 10 comprises a server 12 including a memory 14,and a database 16 defined in the memory 14. The server 12 can be aminicomputer, a microcomputer, a UNIX™ machine, a mainframe computer, apersonal computer such as an Intel™ PC, 286, 386, 486, Pentium, P6,etc.™ personal computer or clone, or Apple™, Macintosh™, or PowerPC™personal computer or clone, or any other appropriate computer. Thememory 14 is preferably long term memory (e.g. hard drive, disk drive,tape unit, CD-ROM, etc.). The server 12 includes typical components(FIG. 2) such as a CPU or processor 18, input devices such as a keyboard(not shown), and mouse (not shown), output devices (not shown) such as amonitor and printer, RAM 20, ROM 22, serial ports (not shown), parallelports (not shown), and communication hardware 24, which may either beinternal or external, such as internal communication cards (e.g., modemcard or network card) or external communication hardware (e.g., externalmodem), etc. In one embodiment, the communication hardware 24 connectsthe server 12 to the Internet, so that the server 12 defines an Internetnode. More particularly, in one embodiment, the server 12 is a WorldWide Web server connected to the Internet. In this embodiment, theserver 12 has a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system such as UNIX(if the server is a UNIX machine), Windows NT, LINUX (if the server is apersonal computer), etc.

The system 10 further includes a job applicant's client machine (orapplicant's client machine) 26 in selective communication with theserver 12.

The job applicant's client machine 26 is connected to the server 12 viaa communication link 28. Various possible types of communication linkcan be employed for the communication link 28 between the server 12 andthe applicant's client machine 26. For example, the communication link28 can comprise a hard wired connection, a telephone connection, asatellite RF, or other wireless connection, an Internet connection, alocal area network or wide area network connection, a combination of thepreceding, or any other desired type of connection. Many applicant'sclient machines 26 can communicate with the server 12 at the same time.Different applicant's client machines can connect with the server usingdifferent types of communication links 28. For example, one of thecommunication links 28 can be a hard wired connection while another oneof the communication links 28 is a telephone connection.

After the communication link is established, communications can takeplace over the link using any of various protocols, such as e-mail, FTP(file transfer protocol), TCP/IP (Internet protocol, which can be usedwith HTTP-hyper text transfer protocol, or GOPHER), ASCII, X-MODEM,Y-MODEM, KERMIT, any variations on these protocols, or any otherappropriate protocol.

During a session, the server 12 communicates to the applicant's clientmachine a resumé outline form 30 (FIG. 3) to be completed by a jobapplicant. The form 30 has a plurality of fields 31 relevant toemployment, using which typical information found on a resume issummarized by the applicant. The form 30 has fields that are similar toblanks found on traditional job application forms available fromemployers.

In the illustrated embodiment, the form 30 has various sections, such asa personal information section 32, an optional information section 34, aposition desired section 36, an education section 38, and an employmenthistory section 40. Other sections can be used, as desired. Each sectionhas various fields 31.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the personal informationsection 32 has fields 39, 41, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, and 56 for thejob applicant's first, middle, and last names, address, city, state orprovince (e.g., the two letter postal service abbreviations), zip codeor postal code, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address,respectively; the optional information section 34 has fields 58, 60, 62and 64 relating to citizenship, fields 66 and 68 relating to securityclearance, and a field 70 for a social security or social insurancenumber; the position desired section 36 has a field 72 for job title,fields 74, 76, 78, and 80 relating to the type of employment sought(full time permanent, full time temporary, part time permanent, or parttime temporary), fields 82, 84, 86, and 88 relating to compensationrequirements, and a field 90 relating to the date when the applicantwill be available for the new position; the education section 38 hasfields 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, and 108 relating to majors,degrees, school names and locations, and grade point averages (multiplecopies of fields 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 can be included for multiplecolleges attended); and the employment history section 40 has fields110, 111, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 for employer name, employer city,employer state or province, previous job title, start date for thatposition, and end date for that position (multiple copies of fields 110,111, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 can be included for multiple priorpositions).

Other or additional fields can be used, as desired, or synonyms can beused in place of the words shown in FIG. 3 adjacent the fields. ForWorld Wide Web applications, the form 30 is an HTML form, and has“submit” and “clear” buttons 122 and 124 using which the applicant caneither send the information from the filled fields to the server, or canclear the form and start over. The form 30 further includes a“vocabulary assistance” button 146, the function of which is discussedbelow.

Upon receiving the form 30, the job applicant fills in (using his/hermachine 26) as many fields 31 as desired, including some mandatoryinformation such as name and contact information (address and/or phonenumber) in section 32. The applicant also effects creation of a graphicsfile 126 (FIG. 7) of the applicant's resume for receipt by the server.

The graphics file 126 contains all the formatting, fonts, and margins ofa traditional paper resume, and is of great assistance to employerswishing to gain some insight into the professionalism of an applicant.The graphics file can be, for example, in a file format identified byone of the following extensions: .GIF, .TIF (or .TIFF), .JPG (or .JPEGor JPE), .BMP, .TGA, .EPS, .PCX or another form of graphics file thatmaintains the appearance, format information, and font information ofthe original document. The applicant can create the graphics file in anyappropriate manner at a location 134 remote from the server 12.

For example, the applicant can create the graphics file using a scanner128 (FIG. 1), by scanning his or her actual printed resume.Alternatively, the applicant can use a facsimile machine 130 (FIG. 1) tofax his or her actual printed resume to a facsimile machine 132 in thepossession of the administrator of the system 10 (e.g., located at thelocation of the server 12). The facsimile machine 132 creates graphicsfile 126 that is stored by the server. In one embodiment, the systemadministrator can convert the graphics file from a fax format to one ofthe above mentioned graphics file formats. Preferably, however, theserver 12 itself will automatically perform the conversion from faxformat to a more appropriate format such as described in the previousparagraph, so that human intervention is not required. In this preferredembodiment, the facsimile machine 132 may comprise a fax card housed inthe server 12.

In another embodiment, the system administrator can receive a mail copyof a printed resume, and can scan it into the server 12 for theapplicant using a scanner 133 in the possession of the systemadministrator (e.g., located at the location of the server 12).

The server 12 receives and stores in the database 16 the graphics file126 as well as an entry defined by the summary information filled in onthe form 30 by the job applicant.

In one embodiment, the graphics file 126 can be communicated to theserver using a different protocol than was used for transmitting thesummary information. For example, the summary information can be sentfrom the applicant's client machine 26 to the server 12 via HTML, andthe graphics file 126 can be sent from that applicant's client machine26 to the server 12 via e-mail. Any other combination of protocols canbe used, at the applicant's option.

The form 30 is useful in that it provides searchable information. Theinformation of the graphics file 126 cannot be easily searched. Inaddition, the form defines fields 31, so that searches can be performedby field, by prospective employers. Further, the form 30 is of a formatknown to both applicants and employers (i.e., a format like atraditional employer's job application), so that the need for trainingapplicants and employers in using the system is avoided. Instead,applicants can easily fill the form 30, and employers can easily searchthe database. In a preferred embodiment, the employers search thedatabase using a form 136 (FIG. 4) that is very similar in appearance tothe form 30 presented to applicants. The forms 30 and 136 provide astandard framework to be used by all applicants, and all employers.

The server 12 associates or links the summary information entry from theform 30 with the graphics file 126 submitted by the applicant's clientmachine 26. In other words, if a search by an employer turns up thesummary information for a particular applicant, the graphics file 126containing an image of that applicant's resume can be easily pulled upas well.

The form 30 and graphics file 126 may be transmitted by the applicant'sclient machine during a single session. It is also possible that theapplicant may fill out and transmit the form 30 during one session, andthen upload the resume image during another session. Or, the applicantcould fax a resume at some later time. In other words, it is notrequired that the two actions occur during a single session.

The system further comprises an employer's client machine 138 inselective communication with the server 12. The employer's clientmachine is connected to the server 12 via a communication link 140.Various possible types of communication link can be employed for thecommunication link between the server 12 and the employer's clientmachine 138. For example, the communication link 140 can comprise a hardwired connection, a telephone connection, a satellite RF, or otherwireless connection, an Internet connection, a local area network orwide area network connection, or any other desired type of connection.Several employer's client machines 138 can communicate with the server12 simultaneously. Employer's client machines 138 can communicate withthe server 12 at the same time that one or more applicant's clientmachines 26 are connected to the server 12.

Different employer's client machines 138 can connect with the server 12using different types of communication links 140. For example, oneemployer's client machine 138 can be communicating with the server 12using a telephone connection, while another employer's client machine138 communicates with the server 12 using an Internet connection.Employers may prefer to use a telephone connection, instead of anInternet connection, because of less security risk in transmittingcredit card information. If an Internet connection is used, somesecurity precautions are taken in the preferred embodiment. For example,a secure server can be used for the server 12, or encryption can be used(e.g., using PGP—pretty good privacy encryption, such as is provided byViaCrypt™ software, or some other encryption method).

Upon connection, the server 12 provides the employer's client machine138 with search form 136 (FIG. 4). The search form 136 is preferablysimilar to the form 30 filled by applicants, as described above, andpreferably includes fields 31 corresponding to fields contained on theform filled by applicants. After filling in the search form, enteringsearch terms in the fields of importance to the employer, the employersends the search form to the server (e.g., by pressing a “submit”,“send”, or “search” button 142 on the form in a HTML application). Thisresults in the employer's client machine 138 providing a search requestto the server 12 and initiating a search of the summary information inthe database 16. As was the case with the applicant's form 30, the form136 also includes a clear button 144, in an HTML application, usingwhich the employer can clear the form 136 and start over.

The search parameters are defined by the filled search form 136. Thefilled search form 136 indicates which fields 31 are to be searched forwhich keywords. For example, based on which fields 31 are filled withwhich keywords, a search query can be constructed which takes thelogical “OR” of each word contained in a field, and which takes thelogical “AND” of each of the fields 31. Other logical and weightedcombinations are possible. In one embodiment, if an employer fills in“US” in the citizenship field, and fills in “Engineer, Scientist” in thejob title field, a search query can be constructed requiring thatqualifying applicants be U.S. citizens AND be engineers OR scientists.Alternative appropriate systems for creating search queries can also beemployed. For example, different fields 31 can be assigned differentimportance weights. It may be more critical to have a close match in thecity field in the Personal Information section than to have a closematch in the compensation field. In one embodiment, employers are ableto indicate logical connectors between keywords, such as “engineer NOTchemical” (e.g., if an employer is looking for any type of engineerother than a chemical engineer). In a preferred embodiment, the employercan use natural English (without logical connectors), and the server 12creates an appropriate search query.

Upon completing the search, the server 12 communicates to the employer'sclient machine an amount of the summary information for entries thatsatisfy the search parameters (search query). Preferably, contactinformation (e.g., name, address, phone number, e-mail, fax number,etc.) of qualifying applicants is suppressed at this stage. In oneembodiment, the information presented to the employer for each entrythat satisfies the search parameters is “summarized” information, foreasy and quick review in a standardized, compact, format. An example ofsummarized information is shown in FIG. 5.

Relevancy ranking is performed in a preferred embodiment. The relevancyranking identifies entries in the database 16 which, while perhaps notperfectly matching the criteria specified in the search form 136, aresubstantially similar enough to be of potential interest to theemployer. Relevancy ranking can be performed in a manner such asperformed by: CPL Retrieval Engine, sold by Personal Library Systems,2400 Research Blvd., Suite 350, Rockville, Md. 20850; NexTrieve IndexingEngine from Nexial Systems, St. Annastraat 4, 6109 RH, Ohé en Laak, TheNetherlands; MetaMorph Text Retrieval Engine sold by ThunderstoneSoftware—EPI Inc., 11115 Edgewater Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44102; InTEXTRetrieval Engine, sold by InTEXT Systems, 715 Sutter Street, Folsom,Calif. 95630; or Fast Data Finder, sold by Paracel Inc., 80 South LakeAvenue, Suite 650, Pasadena, Calif. 91101, or any other appropriatemanner.

Summarized information (as shown in FIG. 5) is provided for the bestmatches to the search request, after taking into account the relevancyranking described above. The maximum number of matches supplied to theemployer's client machine can be set to any appropriate number by eitherthe administrator of the system 10, or the employer performing thesearch. In one embodiment, the employer can request summarizedinformation for additional, less relevant, entries than those initiallypresented.

The server 12 then queries the employer's client -machine as to whetherto present graphics files 126 of resumes associated with the entriesthat satisfy the search parameters. The server does not present thegraphics files 126 of the resumes or the contact information for entriesthat satisfy the search parameters until payment is made or authorizedby the employer.

The employer may establish an account, and provide billing information(such as by providing a credit card number) to the administrator of thesystem 10 at one time, and will then be able to subsequently log inusing a password, and order contact information and graphics fileswithout having to again transmit a credit card. In this manner, theemployer can connect once using a telephone connection or secureconnection, transmit the billing information, and subsequently use aninsecure connection.

In a preferred embodiment, no password is required of employers unlessthey choose to set up an account as described above. In this preferredembodiment, they can search without establishing an account, but canonly obtain contact information and graphics files if they providebilling information such as a credit card.

Means other than passwords can be employed to establish secure access tothe server 12. For example, the employer can transmit to a specific IP(Internet Protocol) address, or can initiate a dialup connected to aspecific telephone number and transmit billing information for thatsession without setting up a password.

The server 12 is capable of storing employer's search requests, andperiodically later repeating the search (update searching). Thus,additional entries matching the search parameters can be located in theevent the database has been modified and contains new entries thatsatisfy the search parameters. If the employer desires the ability tostore search requests and perform update searches, he or she will berequired by the server 12 to obtain a user name and password, so theemployer can be identified by the server in a subsequent connectionsession.

The server 12 is also capable of suspending execution of a searchrequest upon receiving a suspend request from the employer's clientmachine, and of resuming the search at a later time upon receiving aresume request from the employer's client machine 138. For example, theemployer may view the summary information for a certain number of “hits”(entries that satisfy the search parameters) and wish to take a breakbefore more closely studying the results, or before looking at lessrelevant matches. Again, if the employer desires the ability to suspendand later resume search requests, he or she will be required by theserver 12 to obtain a user name and password, so the employer can beidentified by the server 12 in a subsequent connection session.

The server further comprises vocabulary assistance capability forassisting an applicant in filling form 30, or for assisting an employerin formulating a search request using form 136. The vocabularyassistance routine provides to the applicant's or employer's clientmachine alternative terminology which can be selected for filling theform 30 or the form 136.

An example of vocabulary assistance is illustrated in FIG. 6. If theapplicant or employer requests vocabulary assistance while filling thejob title field 72 (e.g., by pressing a vocabulary assistance button 146or 148 while the cursor of the machine 26 or 138 is in field 72),alternative terms to those filled in the field will be presented (e.g.,by presenting a menu, such as a pop-up menu, to the machine 26 or 138).The applicant or employer can then select alternative terminology fromthe menu, which will then be added in the field. Alternatively, insteadof using the vocabulary assistance while initially filling the form 136,an employer may be dissatisfied with the results of a search, and maythen return to the form 136 and initiate vocabulary assistance on one ormore of the fields. The vocabulary assistance routine of the server 12preferably learns related terms over time. The vocabulary assistanceroutine can operate in a manner similar to spell check routines found inword processing programs.

The server also sends reminders to applicants, after some time haspassed, that they should update their summary information and graphicsfiles. This can be via e-mail, or any other desired manner.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9-11, 12A, 12B, and 13 define a flow chart illustratingoperation of a system according to one embodiment of the invention.

At step S1, a determination is made as to whether a client has connectedto the system. If so, the system proceeds to step S2; if not, the systemproceeds to step S7.

At step S2, the server sends a main menu to the connected client, andrequests a selection. After performing step S2, the system proceeds tostep S3.

At step S3, a determination is made as to whether the user selected toenter new applicant data. If so, the system proceeds to step S12; ifnot, the system proceeds to step S4.

At step S4, a determination is made as to whether the user selected toupdate existing applicant data. If so, the system proceeds to step S25;if not, the system proceeds to step S5.

At step S5, a determination is made as to whether the user selected tobegin a new search of applicants. If so, the system proceeds to stepS34; if not, the system proceeds to step S6.

At step S6, a determination is made as to whether the user selected tocontinue a previously suspended search of applicants. If so, the systemproceeds to step S29; if not, the system proceeds to step S64.

At step S7, a determination is made as to whether it is time for anapplicant to update the information they have provided to the server. Ifso, the system proceeds to step S8; if not, the system proceeds to stepS9.

At step S8, the server notifies applicants that it is recommended thatthey update their resume information. After performing step S8, thesystem proceeds to step S9.

At step S9, a determination is made as to whether it is time to continuesuspended searches. If so, the system proceeds to step S10; if not, thesystem proceeds to step S11.

At step S10, suspended searches are performed. After performing stepS10, the system proceeds to step S11.

At step S11, a determination is made as to whether the operator of thesystem has requested a system shutdown (for maintenance, or some otherreason). If so, the system shuts down; if not, the system proceeds tostep S1.

At step S12, a new applicant identification number is assigned by theserver, and the server sends to the client a request for a selection ofa password. After performing step S12, the system proceeds to step S13.

At step S13, the system receives a response from the client. Afterperforming step S13, the system proceeds to step S14.

At step S14, the server prepares an empty resume outline form. Afterperforming step S14, the system proceeds to step S15.

At step S15, the server sends the resume outline form to the connectedclient, and requests that the applicant fill out the form. Afterperforming step S15, the system proceeds to step S16.

At step S16, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S16, the system proceeds to step S17.

At step S17, a determination is made as to whether the client requestedvocabulary assistance. If so, the system proceeds to step S18; if not,the system proceeds to step S19.

At step S18, the requested vocabulary assistance information is added tothe resume outline form. An example of vocabulary assistance is shown inFIG. 6. For example, if an applicant has listed cellular and satellitein the job title field, and requests vocabulary assistance for the jobtitle field, the server will generate a list of alternative terms suchas development, firmware, software, and systems, and will transmit thatlist to the applicant's client machine. The client can then select anyof the listed vocabulary assistance terms for addition to the job titlefield. Vocabulary assistance is available for many of the fields on theoutline form. After performing step S18, the system proceeds to stepS15.

At step S19, the server stores the information filled in the resumeoutline form in the database. After performing step S19, the systemproceeds to step S20.

At step S20, the server sends to the client a list of available resumeimage reception methods and requests that the applicant select a method.After performing step S20, the system proceeds to step S21.

At step S21, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S21, the system proceeds to step S22.

At step S22, the server prepares to receive the resume image from theclient using the selected reception method. After performing step S22,the system proceeds to step S23.

At step S23, the server receives the resume image. After performing stepS23, the system proceeds to step S24.

At step S24, the server stores the resume image in the database. Afterperforming step S24, the system proceeds to step S2.

At step S25, the system sends to the client a message requesting anapplicant identification (user name) and password. After performing stepS25, the system proceeds to step S26.

At step S26, the server receives and verifies the password and ID. Afterperforming step S26, the system proceeds to step S27.

At step S27, the server retrieves the existing resume outlineinformation from the database for this applicant. After performing stepS27, the system proceeds to step S28.

At step S28, the server fills the empty resume outline form with theoutline information retrieved from the database. After performing stepS28, the system proceeds to S15.

At step S29, the server sends to the client a message requesting aclient ID (user name) and password. After performing step S29, thesystem proceeds to step S30.

At step S30, the server receives and verifies the ID and password. Afterperforming step S30, the system proceeds to step S31.

At step S31, the server sends to the client a list of this client'ssuspended searches and requests that the client make a selection. Afterperforming step S31, the system proceeds to step S32.

At step S32, the server receives the selection from the client. Afterperforming step S32, the system proceeds to step S33.

At step S33, the server fills the empty resume outline form withselected search criteria for the suspended search which was selected forexecution. After performing step S33, the system proceeds to step S35.

At step S34, the server prepares an empty resume outline form. Afterperforming step S34, the system proceeds to step S35.

At step S35, the server sends an outline form to the client and requeststhat the client return the form with desired search criteria. Afterperforming step S35, the system proceeds to step S36.

At step S36, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S36, the server proceeds to step S37.

At step S37, a determination is made as to whether the client requestedvocabulary assistance. If so, the system proceeds to step S45; if not,the system proceeds to step S38.

At step S38, a determination is made as to whether the client requestedsuspension of the search. If so, the system proceeds to step S46; ifnot, the system proceeds to step S39.

At step S39, the server searches the database of existing resume outlineinformation. After performing step S39, the system proceeds to step S40.

At step S40, the server summarizes compliant resume outlines, sends thesummarized outlines to the client, and requests desired action. Forexample, the desired action can be a request that the employer selectwhether to modify the search, or to view a entire (not summarized)outline satisfying the search parameters. After performing step S40, thesystem proceeds to step S41.

At step S41, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S41, the system proceeds to step S42.

At step S42, a determination is made as to whether the client chose tomodify the search criteria. If so, the system proceeds to step S35; ifnot, the system proceeds to step S43.

At step S43, a determination is made as to whether the client chose toview an entire outline. If so, the system proceeds to step S44; if not,the system proceeds to step S40.

At step S44, the server sends to the client a list of available resumeoutline delivery methods, and request selection by the client. Afterperforming step S44, the system proceeds to step S49.

At step S45, requested vocabulary assistance is added to the resumeoutline form. After performing step S45, the system proceeds to stepS35.

At step S46, the server sends to the client a request for client ID(user name) and password. After performing step S46, the system proceedsto step S47.

At step S47, the server receives and verifies the client ID andpassword. After performing step S47, the system proceeds to step S48.

At step S48, the server stores the search criteria. After performingstep S48, the system proceeds to step S2.

At step S49, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S49, the system proceeds to step S50.

At step S50, the server sends a complete resume outline to the client.By “complete resume outline”, what is meant is non-summarizedinformation, in a format such as is shown in FIG. 3, except with contactinformation suppressed. After performing step S50, the system proceedsto step S51.

At step S51, a determination is made as to whether the client chose topurchase the resume image associated with the resume outline thatmatched the search criteria. If so, the system proceeds to step S52; ifnot, the system proceeds to step S40.

At step S52, the server sends to the client a message asking if theemployer has an existing account. After performing step S52, the systemproceeds to step S53.

At step S53, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S53, the system proceeds to step S54.

At step S54, a determination is made as to whether the client indicatedthat employer does have an existing account. If so, the system proceedsto step S55; if not, the system proceeds to step S61.

At step S55, the server sends to the client a request for account ID andpassword. After performing step S55, the system proceeds to step S56.

At step S56, the server receives and verifies the response. Afterperforming step S56, the system proceeds to step S57.

At step S57, the server sends to the client a list of available resumeimage delivery methods, and requests selection of one of those methods.After performing step S57, the system proceeds to step S58.

At step S58, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S58, the system proceeds to step S59.

At step S59, the server retrieves the resume image from the database.After performing step S59, the system proceeds to step S60.

At step S60, the server delivers the resume image to the client via themethod selected by the employer. After performing step S60, the systemproceeds to step S40.

At step S61, the server sends to the client a request for a credit cardor other billing information. After performing step S61, the systemproceeds to step S62.

At step S62, the server receives the response from the client. Afterperforming step S62, the system proceeds to step S63.

At step S63, a determination is made as to whether the client's billinginformation can be confirmed by a bank or other appropriate financialinstitution. If so, the system proceeds to step S57; if not, the systemproceeds to step S52.

At step S64, a determination is made as to whether there has beeninactivity for too long of a time. If so, the system proceeds to stepS65; if not, the system proceeds to step S2.

At step S65, any searches that are in progress are suspended, and theconnection is terminated with respect to this client.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A resume graphics file handling method comprising:configuring a server to convert resume graphics files from a first fileformat to a different file format; using the server, receiving a resumegraphics file in the first file format and converting the resumegraphics file in the first file format to a converted file in thedifferent file format; and using the server, transmitting at least oneof the resume graphics file in the first file format, or the convertedfile in the different file format.
 23. A resume graphics file handlingserver configured to: receive a resume graphics file in a first fileformat; convert the resume graphics file in the first file format to atleast one converted file in a different file format; and transmit atleast one of the resume graphics file in the first file format, or theconverted file in the different file format.
 24. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium encoded with computer programinstructions configured to cause processing circuitry of a server to:receive a resume graphics file in a first file format; convert theresume graphics file in the first file format to a converted file in adifferent file format; and transmit at least one of the resume graphicsfile in the first file format, or the converted file in the differentfile format.
 25. A resume handling method comprising: configuring aserver to receive resume graphics files and to transmit at least somecontent of the resume graphics files; using a first client machine,transmitting a resume graphics file to the server; and using the server,transmitting at least some content of the resume graphics file to asecond client machine.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the secondclient machine and the first client machine are the same client machine.27. A resume handling system comprising: a server; a first clientmachine configured to transmit a resume graphics file to the server; anda second client machine; wherein the server is configured to receive theresume graphics file from the first client machine and to transmit atleast some content of the resume graphics file to the second clientmachine and wherein the second client machine is configured to receivethe content of the resume graphics file transmitted by the server. 28.The system of claim 27 wherein the second client machine and the firstclient machine are the same client machine.
 29. A resume handling methodcomprising: configuring a server to receive resume graphics files and totransmit at least some content of the resume graphics files; using theserver, receiving a resume graphics file; and using the server,transmitting at least some content of the resume graphics file.
 30. Aresume handling server configured to receive resume graphics files andto transmit at least some content of the received resume graphics files.31. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded withcomputer program instructions configured to cause processing circuitryof a server to: receive a resume graphics file; and transmit at leastsome content of the resume graphics file.